The suspect, 36-year-old Jamsheer Athanikkal from Kerala’s Palakkad District, was traveling on Batik Air flight OD231, a Boeing 737, on Wednesday night when the incident unfolded, the Times of India reported, citing a police report.
As the flight began its final approach to Kochi, Athanikkal stood up, struck the emergency exit window, and tried to force the exit door open, according to NDTV.
Passengers and crew eventually subdued and restrained him until the plane landed safely at Cochin International Airport at approximately 11:30 p.m.
Investigators alleged that Athanikkal kicked and damaged the inner panel of the emergency exit window before attempting to open the door. He also threatened passengers and cabin crew during the ordeal, according to The Star.
Kerala Police arrested the man after the aircraft landed early Thursday. The case was filed following a complaint by Batik Air’s security chief in Kochi, and authorities noted that investigations are ongoing.
A passenger on board, identified as Matty Mathew, later shared a video of the incident on social media.
Mathew said most people were asleep on the overnight flight when they were startled awake by the sound of air rushing through the cabin. This occurred after the passenger seated near the emergency exit damaged the window panel and interfered with the door mechanism.
According to his account, the aircraft’s cabin pressure and door design prevented the exit from opening. Passengers and cabin crew then worked together to pin the man down.
“Passengers were terrified, children and elderly travellers were confused, and nobody initially understood the extent of the danger.
“Yet the passengers and cabin crew remained remarkably composed, worked together, restrained the individual and protected everyone on board.
He said one fellow passenger stayed seated beside the restrained man for the remainder of the flight, ensuring that he could not move or attempt anything further.